INNOCENT EMBARRASSMENT.

Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 90, 29 August 1877, Page 3

INNOCENT EMBARRASSMENT.

There are a good many stories which are hot to be found j^n Dean Ramsay's collection ; and the 'following is one of them. It was narrated over a glass of whisky toddy by a well known minister of the Free Kirk :— "Dr M'Tavish is a Presbyterian divine m Scotland. After morning service lie holds a nitecheiical examination. At this trying ordeal adults as Well as juveniles are expected to appear. One female petitioner persistently absented herself. N "On a certain Sunday the minister overtook the rebellious sheep on her way to % the kirk. He, reasoned with her. Mrs. Brown-r-such Was the lady's name—explained that her Acquaintance wUh theology was of the smallest pos* sible dimensions-, and that she did not care to be put to shame before the lambs pf the flock . Whereupon that good man* the clergyman, assured the modest dame that if she promised to remain on that Sabbath, he On his part woilld -promise to give her: an easy question. The sheep/ followed and, joined^the; congregation., reassured, she remained for the examin* atibn. ; „- „ "Having asked- a number of questions of various members 1 of his "congregation, Dr; M'Tavish at last came to Mrs Brown; with his easy question? „ . ".What .is the Sevenfjh ;Commandment ?" he asked ma kindly tone; "Mrs. Brown rose. She blushed violently. She looked hopelessly at the •congregation", and , fejaculatedi more m sbrrow/.than, in anger — ■';/-■;..- --:'- '" Ahj Doctor M'Tavish, after- what passed- between, us on the /road/ this: , morning^. T did na; think ye'd ask me that question !" • v